LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Cordillera on Monday said it approved 44 projects under its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) for the first semester in recognition of the crucial role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) towards the attainment of inclusive growth.
Nancy Bantog, regional director of DOST-CAR said an initial PHP28.8 million was initially released for the projects.
Bantog explained that SETUP is under the Technology Transfer, Commercialization, Innovation System Support Program (TTC/ISSP).
It is aimed at alleviating poverty and accelerating growth and development in the countryside by creating livelihood. It also aims to assist the existing programs to become globally competitive and generate employment, she said.
Bantog led other DOST-Cordillera officials in Monday’s regular weekly “Kapihan” organized by the Cordillera Association of Regional Executives (CARE) at the agency’s regional office here.
Perlita Picpican, regional coordinator of SETUP, said current projects include food processing, handicraft, furniture making, metal and engineering. Bulk of approved projects is for food processing.
Mountain Province and Kalinga have the most number of SETUP projects, each with nine projects, followed by Ifugao and Benguet, each with eight projects. Apayao and Abra each have five.
SETUP provides MSMEs with substantial support in terms of new technologies, manpower training, product standards and testing facilities, packaging and product labeling, sustainable supply of raw material and market linkage.
Meanwhile, a similar program, the Local Grants-in-Aid Program (LGIA) is another DOST program accessible to upstart MSMEs.
Angel Maguen, regional coordinator of LGIA said some 31 projects have been approved for the first semester with a total cost of PHP17.4 million.
Maguen said the projects are scattered in the different provinces of the region. (PNA)
